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Holy Trinity Church, Coventry

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Denomination
  
Church of England

Dedication
  
Holy Trinity

Parish
  
Coventry

Diocese
  
Diocese of Coventry

Churchmanship
  
Broad Church

Province
  
Canterbury

Phone
  
+44 24 7622 0418

Holy Trinity Church, Coventry

Website
  
www.holytrinitycoventry.org.uk

Vicar(s)
  
Revd David Mayhew (from 2009)

Address
  
5A Priory Row, Coventry CV1 5EX, UK

Similar
  
St Mary's Guildhall, Coventry Cathedral, Herbert Art Gallery and Museum, Coventry Cross, War Memorial Park - Cov

Holy Trinity Church, Coventry, is a parish church of the Church of England located in Coventry City Centre, West Midlands, England.

Contents

Above the chancel arch is probably the most impressive Doom wall-painting now remaining in an English church.

History

The church dates from the 12th century and is the only Medieval church in Coventry which is still complete. It is 59 metres (194 feet) long, and has a spire 72 metres (237 feet) high.

The church was restored in 1665–1668, and the tower was recased in 1826 by Thomas Rickman. The east end was rebuilt in 1786 and the west front by Richard Charles Hussey in 1843.

The inside of the church was restored by George Gilbert Scott in 1854.

Doom painting

The doom painting was painted above the tower arch in 1430s. It was discovered in 1831, covered by a lime wash, and was then restored and varnished over by a local artist, David Gee. In the years following, the varnish darkened and hid the painting from view again. In 1995, conservation and restoration work was begun and the painting was revealed 2004.

Organ

The church had a pipe organ which had evolved over a long period of time with work by many builders, the last by Henry Willis and Sons. A specification of the organ can be found on the National Pipe Organ Register.

History

  • 1526: This is the earliest recorded organ, built by John Howe and John Clynmowe of London for £30. In the late 16th century it was dismantled as the Puritan clergy at Holy Trinity disapproved of organs.
  • 1631: Samuel Buggs (Vicar), "procured" a replacement instrument.
  • 1640s: Puritans back in charge, organ sold for £30.
  • 1732: The German Thomas Swarbrick, who also supplied a new organ for Coventry Cathedral (Old Cathedral), built one for Holy Trinity for £600. It was placed upon a gallery erected for it across the Nave and had 2 manuals.
  • 1829: Swell and pedal added.
  • 1855–1861: As part of the George Gilbert Scott restoration of the church, a new organ chamber was built in the westernmost bay of the south chancel aisle. This instrument of 3 manuals plus pedals, was built by Forster and Andrews for £800.
  • 1900: Rebuilt by W. Hill & Sons with some of the old work incorporated; 4 manuals.
  • 1923: Electric blowing chest added.
  • 1933: J. Charles Lee of Coventry added pneumatic pistons.
  • 1961: Rebuilt for £12,200 by the firm of Henry Willis, the organ contained 59 speaking stops, each with 61 pipes, along with 30 couplers and 3 tremolos.
  • 2007: Organ was dismantled, due to it being beyond repair. A funding appeal has been launched for a new organ, which will cost approximately £600,000.

    • List of assistant organists

  • Sullivan D.T. Mortimer ???? – ca.1900 (afterwards organist of St. Mary's Church, Atherstone)
  • Norman Coke-Jephcott 1909–1911
  • Harold Carpenter c.1950–60
  • Peter Bourton c.1954–64. Afterwards Organist at St Marks, Bilton, Rugby.

    • Notable clergy

  • Rob Budd, curate 2013–2016
  • Tony Burford, curate
  • Hennie Johnston, curate 2003-2007
  • James Hill, curate 2011–2013
  • Anthony Francis Williams, curate 1950–1962
  • Roy Windmill, curate 1967–1971

    • List of Vicars

    Dates listed are of appointment, unless otherwise noted.

    References

    Holy Trinity Church, Coventry Wikipedia
    (Text) CC BY-SA